CrochetCastle.com

Monday, March 14, 2011

Here is my free crochet soaker pattern for the quick and easy crochet over-night all-night soaker. This pattern will make soakers for sizes Newborn, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. For yarn, I used two strands of Lion's Brand Fisherman's wool to crochet a thicker and quicker soaker for use all night. Be sure to use a good quality diaper with your over-night all-night crochet soakers. :-)

Required Stitches:

SC: Single Crochet

HDC: Half-Double Crochet

CH: Chain

BLO: Back Loops Only

Required Hooks:

H and I hook (Keep them both handy, as they are used alternately on each row)

Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook, and in the next 24, 28, (33, 38, 41) chains, Switch to I hook, HDC in next 14, 18, (23, 28, 31) chains, Switch back to H hook SC in last 10 chains, ch 1 (Chain one does not count as SC now or ever), turn.

Row 2: SC in BLO of first 10 stitches, Switch to I hook, HDC in next (14, 18, (23, 28, 31) HDC stitches, switch to H hook, SC in BLO of last 24, 28, (33, 38, 41) sc stitches, ch 1 (Chain one does not count as SC now or ever), turn.

Row 3: SC in BLO of next 24, 28, (33, 38, 41) sc stitches, switch to I hook, HDC in BLO of next 14, 18, (23, 28, 31) HDC stitches, switch to H hook, SC in last 10 SC stitches, ch 1 (Chain one does not count as SC now or ever), turn.

Fold crocheted rectangle vertically, and whip stitch from top unfolded area down 12, 14, (16, 18, 20) stitches on each side seam.

Chain 150 to create a draw string. Thread chain on big needle, and weave it through top of soaker and tie in front.

Feel free to add SC or DC around the legs, but it is not necessary. :-)

Disclaimer: Every baby wets their diapers at different times and rates. While this soaker is very thick, and will work excellent for over-night use by most babies, please be sure to change your baby as often as needed, according to their own wetting habits. :-)

I will freely allow anyone to make items from my patterns to sell. I only ask that no one sell my patterns, or try to claim them as their own. I also ask that anyone selling from items they crochet from my patterns would post a link to my free pattern within the listing. I do think anyone purchasing crocheted items deserves the right to know that they could make it for free, also. I have noticed listings from a few sellers who sell items they have crocheted from my patterns, and they haven't been linked. I won't call anyone out, but I do notice. :-) I also think others notice, as well, and this reflects upon these seller's character. When someone offers free patterns with a right to sell, it shouldn't be too much to ask individuals to link back. :-) Thank you for all of those that do link back! I notice you, as well, as do others! <3 May you be richly blessed!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Tired of buying disposable nursing pads? These are the nursing momma's new best friend. Simple to crochet nursing pads are easily customized to smaller or larger sizes. Simply increase number of chains at the beginning, for larger nursing pads, and decrease the chains at the beginning, for smaller nursing pads. The original pattern makes an average size nursing pad.

If you are using cotton yarn, then it is a good idea to wash your nursing pads a couple of times before you use them. I've found that cotton yarns tend to be less absorbent before they have been washed a few times.

For those using Merino Wool, you will probably want to lanolize your nursing/breast pads, before you use them. You can use any type of lanolin for this. Lanosil is a good brand. Simply add a pea-sized amount to a cup of warm water. Add a drop (yes, just a drop) of dish soap (like Joy). Stir mixture together, gently. You will probably notice the water turn into a milky color. This will be how you know that your lanolin mixture is ready. Place your breast pads into the lanolin mixture, and let them soak for about an hour. Place breast pads on a towel, and roll the towel up to gently squeeze out excess moisture. Remove breast pads from towel, and place somewhere to dry. Once dry, you'll have some wonderful soft and absorbent reusable breast pads! Enjoy!

I will freely allow anyone to make items from my patterns to sell. I only ask that no one sell my patterns, or try to claim them as their own. I also ask that anyone selling from items they crochet from my patterns would post a link to my free pattern within the listing. I do think anyone purchasing crocheted items deserves the right to know that they could make it for free, also. I have noticed listings from a few sellers who sell items they have crocheted from my patterns, and they haven't been linked. I won't call anyone out, but I do notice. :-) I also think others notice, as well, and this reflects upon these seller's character. When someone offers free patterns with a right to sell, it shouldn't be too much to ask individuals to link back. :-) Thank you for all of those that do link back! I notice you, as well, as do others! <3 May you be richly blessed!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Another easy stretchy soaker, but this one involves a few stitch changes for a more form fitting soaker. One Size Fits Most with Waistband Folded down on smaller babies. Can easily be modified for more specific sizes.

Pic of Soaker on 2 y/o

You will need:

250 yards Worsted Weight Wool Yarn

H hook

Understanding of SC, Understanding of HDC, Understanding of back loops, Understanding of Slip Stitch

Row 2: sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 8 sc, hdc in BACK LOOPS ONLY next 42 hdc, sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 20 sc, hdc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 22 hdcs, sc BACK LOOPS ONLY last 8 sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 3: sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of the first 4 sc, chain one, skip one sc, sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 3 sc, hdc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 22 hdc, sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY if 20 sc, hdc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of 42 hdc, sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of next 3 sc, chain one, skip one sc, sc in BACK LOOPS ONLY of last 4 sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 4-33: Repeat Row 2 & 3 throughout.

Finishing off: Slip stitch sides together from top stitch down 30 stitches on each side.

If you want leg bands, you can attach your yarn and crochet leg bands of your choice. Even just simple SC in the round a few rows works great. :)

For Draw String, I usually use a single crochet chain about a yard long. If you want something simpler, you could use a simple chain, or even double up your yarn for a thicker chain to thread through the top eyelets of the soaker.

If you have any questions regarding this pattern, feel free to ask. This pattern is my original idea, and copyrights April, 2009 to me. Do not copy pattern as your own. Do not sell this pattern. If you would like to make soakers from this pattern to sell, I give you permission, but if you intend to sell your item online, please be sure to include the link to this free pattern in your listing. :)

Friday, April 17, 2009

This soaker pattern is the simplest of the simples to crochet. It is very economical, as it will fit most babies from start to finish, because it is so S-T-R-E-T-C-H-Y. For newborns, you can fold down the waist. :) Even the most novice of crocheters can work it up in no time.

You will need:

250 yards Worsted Weight Wool Yarn

H hook

Understanding of HDC, Understanding of back loops, Understanding of Slip Stitch

----------

Chain 81 (You can chain more or less -- this pattern is totally customizable)

Row 1: HDC in back loops of second ch from hook, and every ch across, ch 1 (80 HDC's)

(Please Note: ch 1 never counts as a stitch throughout this pattern)

Row 2: HDC in back loops each HDC across, ch 1 (80 HDC's)

Row 3-23: Repeat Row 2

To Finish Off, fold your soaker strip in half from left to right (Matching first stitch with last stitch). Slip stitch the sides together through 20 stitches leaving 40 stitches that are your leg holes. Repeat on the other side.

If you want leg bands, you can attach your yarn and crochet leg bands of your choice. Even just simple SC in the round a few rows works great. :)

For Draw String, I usually use a single crochet chain about a yard long. If you want something simpler, you could use a simple chain, or even double up your yarn for a thicker chain to thread through the top of the soaker.

If you have any questions regarding this pattern, feel free to ask. This pattern is my original idea, and belongs to me. Do not copy as your own. Do not sell this pattern. If you would like to make soakers from this pattern to sell, I give you permission, but if you intend to sell your item online, please be sure to include this link, that you used this free pattern in your listing. :)